Are your Standard Operating Procedures aligned with your organization’s policies? I asked this question in my Instagram post during a Morning Moment. This question relates to safety, security and satisfaction. Employees feel safe when they perceive that their actions have been fully sanctioned by the organization. Policies outline the rules by which the organization functions. Standard operating procedures form the foundation for all actions and behaviors. When both are in alignment, employees’ risk of incurring liability or causing harm is minimized.
Alignment of standard procedures and policies also promote clarity and understanding of the organization’s mission. This clarity encourages employee commitment to the work. Finally, administrators should be aware of standard procedures that have evolved over time and no longer align with policies. The changes may be due to tradition, changes in staff or poor organizational memory.
We are launching Smart and Simple Questions, a new web series in partnership with our sister website For REAL Social Workers Online Magazine. Stay tuned for more. Click here if you want to see that Instagram Post.